STV Productions has secured the television rights for Emma Healey's best-selling novel, Elizabeth is Missing.

The book will be developed as a three part series for TV and will be one of the first projects for STV Productions' new head of drama, Sarah Brown who joins the company in the autumn.

STV Productions has brought in award-winning writer Andrea Gibb to develop the script for the three-part production.

Gibb’s recent work include feature films Swallows and Amazons and Music and Silence for BBC Films.

Emma Healey’s debut novel Elizabeth Is Missing is the story of Maud and her quest to find her missing best friend whilst battling with dementia.

The book went straight to the Sunday Times Bestseller list on publication.

Alan Clements, director of content at STV Productions, said: “Elizabeth Is Missing was one of the most talked about titles at last year’s London Book Fair and was published in the UK by Penguin after a competitive bidding war.

“The story promises to be a unique and unforgettable piece of television and we’re thrilled to be working with Andrea Gibb to bring this incredible book to the screen.”